Category: Season 6 Literary

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Awakening Dreams: A Poet’s Stuggle

Awakening Dreams A Poet's StruggleWriting poetry has been a passion of mine ever since I learned how to write. However, for the past couple of years, I have been determined to complete my next book in the Inspire Me Series, titled “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.” Lately, though, my thoughts have been clouded and focused on sci-fi short stories instead. My goal is to finish this poetry book by summer so that I can fully dedicate myself to the short stories. It’s strange how my writing habits have changed – from writing multiple poems a week to only one a month. Perhaps it’s due to the pandemic, or the loss of my mother and close friend soon after. Strange Thing Grief, is the title of one of my upcoming poems, referring to how grief has affected all aspects of my life. Simple things are no longer simple. Writing poetry used to be therapeutic for me, but lately my emotions have been too heavy to express through writing. This poem, “Bound,” is from my previous book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 and is a glimpse into  my upcoming collection.

Poetic Resurrection Podcast

Bound

Sorrow sweeps through my soul like
The sword of yesteryear
Waves of sorrow smash upon my heart
Reminding me of you
Of your love
Of your kindness
I drown in the eventual stillness, gasping for air
Why was life so unfair to you?
But it’s me who doesn’t let go
It’s me who feels guilty for not
suffering your loss longer
If I hold on to that feeling, then the memory
Of you doesn’t slip away
Miss the feeling of our etheric touch
I dreamt of seeing your soul last night
but I had tied a rope to it
You kept trying to fly away
But I kept pulling you back—You turned to me, broken
Today I cry and let you go—release you from the earth plane
The rope unties and I see your smiling soul fade away

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Jack Remick – Author/Poet

Jack Remick - Author/PoetWe are thrilled to announce that Jack Remick will join us as our guest for this month’s episode on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. He’s a poet and a writer and he recites his poems, Dying Dreams, Secret Disease and Lovdeth, from his poetry collection entitled Satori. They’re beautiful poems. I love this section from Dying Dreams: “Despite the cult of youth, we know this: flowers fade, we come to the closing of doors where we lie down naked for the dying of dreams.” Not only is he a talented poet and writer, but he also imparts his knowledge by offering a writing masterclass. Take the time to listen in to this episode, which promises to be both enjoyable and educational.

Jack Remick – Bio
I have been a college instructor, a grammar school teacher, a social worker, a community activist, a tunnel stiff, and a bus driver. My writing life began when I studied poetry at UC Berkeley with Thom Gunn. He taught me the essence of originality when he asked me why I was copying the style and substance of other poets–dead, of course. Jack, he said, when you inhabit another man’s universe, it will always be smaller than the one you create for yourself.

Throughout my career, I have taken on various roles such as a college instructor, grammar school teacher, social worker, community activist, tunnel worker, and even a bus driver. But my journey as a writer began at UC Berkeley where I studied poetry under the guidance of Thom Gunn. It was there that he taught me the importance of originality by challenging me to question why I was emulating the styles and ideas of other poets who were no longer living. Jack, he said, when you inhabit another man’s universe, it will always be smaller than the one you create for yourself.

After years of work, experimentation, and exploration of the writing world–which involved three trips to South America and their exposure to both Indigenous and Colonial lifestyles–I returned home carrying a load of understanding and desire that had not driven me before. Life in South America gave me three novels: No Century for Apologies, which won Honorable Mention for the Hoffer Grand Prize; Gabriela and The Widow, which was a finalist for the Book of the Year Award; as well as a Finalist for the Montaigne Medal and One Year in the Time of Violence, a novel that follows a Gringo living in the time of the Colombian Violencia with all its horror and political chaos.

My writing world expanded with each life experience until I was able to write a ground-breaking novel titled Citadel. Enraptured with fiction, I had ignored poetry until events unfolded, which led me to write Josie Delgado, a Poem of the Central Valley and Satori, Poems. With each publication, I understood more of Thom Gunn’s wisdom. I have learned the effectiveness of collaboration with other writers. Robert J. Ray and I co-wrote The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery a how-to that demystifies writing of the mystery.

Listen to the episode

You can find his published works here:

http://www.amazon.com./author/jackremick

 

 

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Ruben Rodriguez -Book Editor

Ruben Rodriguez - Book editorRuben Rodriguez, our guest for this month’s episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, is a highly accomplished editor and English teacher. He shares with us the intriguing story of how he first ventured into the world of editing and teaching. From a young age, Ruben had a deep appreciation for literature and storytelling, which led him to pursue a degree in English. Throughout his academic journey, he discovered his talent for editing and his ability to bring out the best in written works. His passion for working with writers and helping them refine their stories is evident in every project he takes on. Ruben’s experiences have taught him the importance of not only understanding the technical aspects of editing but also fostering a nurturing and collaborative relationship with writers. In this episode, he shares valuable insights on the creative process, the challenges faced by writers, and the fulfillment he finds in helping them realize their literary visions.

Ruben J. Rodriguez received his degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in English from UCLA, magna cum laude, was an editor of Westwind magazine, has read his works at UCLA’s Powell Library, co-edited the L.A.-based poetry anthology Coiled Serpent, and currently works as a freelance editor, including with Tia Chucha Press, and as an English teacher through IANT Education with a focus on creative writing. He recently started a YouTube channel focused on book reviews and discussion of literature, To Readers It May Concern.

Listen to his episode here.

Ruben’s YouTube Channel

 

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Poetry – Shade of Being Poem

Poetry - Shade of Being by Sonia Iris LozadaIn this January 2024 episode, I’ll discuss poetry and read Shade of Being.

Poetry became my outlet, my means of processing and articulating the complexities of my dual identity. Through the rhythmic words and vivid imagery, I could capture the nuances of my emotions, the clash of cultures, and the struggles of navigating between two worlds. It allowed me to explore and embrace the beauty of both sides of my heritage, while also acknowledging the challenges and conflicts that arose from it. Poetry became a form of self-discovery and self-expression, a way for me to make sense of my place in the world. It provided solace and comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty, offering me a sense of validation and understanding that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Poetry became my therapy, my self-help, and my sanctuary, guiding me through the complexities of my bi-cultural upbringing and shaping me into the person I am today.

In my teens, I had a poetry notebook I would carry with me everywhere, treasuring the words I had carefully written. However, one unfortunate day in the bustling streets of Chicago, my three-ring binder slipped from my grasp and scattered its contents in the wind. Helplessly watching as my precious poetry scattered into the air, I felt a deep sense of loss. Unlike today, where technology allows us to back up our work easily, back then, everything was typed, and I didn’t have a copy of my poetry. Despite this setback, I refused to let it deter me from my passion. I continued to write, pouring my emotions and thoughts onto paper. Over the years, I have managed to compile my poetry into four books, each representing a different phase of my life. “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2” was published in 2022, previously published were “Inspire Me: Perception” and “Follow Akashic Dreaming Through Time” in 2019. My first book, “Inspire Me: Raw,” was released in 2017, marking the beginning of my journey as a published poet. Currently, I am eagerly working on the third installment of the Inspire Me Series, titled “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.”

In, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams I hope to take the readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It delves into the depths of one’s subconscious mind, exploring the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform. Through imagery and thought-provoking verses, I hope this book encourages readers to explore their innermost desires, embrace their passions, and awaken their true potential. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, the complexities of human emotions, and the mysteries of the universe, the poems in my new collection offer a unique blend of introspection and inspiration. With each turn of the page, I invited you to delve deeper into your dreams, discovering new perspectives and unlocking hidden truths. As the third installment in the Inspire Me Series, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams promises to be a soul-stirring addition to any poetry collection.

As the new year begins, I am excited to share a glimpse of my upcoming book, “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.” Within its pages, you will find a collection of heartfelt poems, including one titled “Shade of Being.” This poem delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring the various shades from beginning to end that make up our being. “Shade of Being” is a reflection on my journey of self-discovery and the power of embracing our finite nature. For those who can’t wait to dive into my upcoming book, a sneak peek of “Shade of Being” can also be found in the “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2.” Let this new year be a time of inspiration, growth, and awakening as we embark on a poetic journey together.

Shade of Being

I stand on the beach, absorbing the indigo sky. The whispering breeze surrounds and envelops me as I breathe. It cools the soul. The waves creep up and work with the sand to mold my feet on earth. The Sun’s desert colors—rays of light peak through the singing ocean waves, sounds of release and content. There I feel light, floating slowly over the water. I’m not afraid as I’m swept towards the light of eternal energy. The sea creatures do a singing infinity dance by my side. The sparkling eyes of these mammals transform my essence. I’m not alone. How long I have waited to go into the depths of the ocean where emotions ease life’s pains as they bathe the skin in harmony. No entanglements, no reins holding me. I turn to see my past and see the shadows of my family and friends holding onto the remaining essence of the sand encasing my life, my experience, the memorable existence of each footstep we walked together.

Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 (Amazon)

Listen to episode here